Border News Translations: Thanatology Needed

TIJUANA BC (Frontera, Angela Torres, 5/18/11) - The Procuraduría de los Derechos Humanos and Casa Dakini opened the Círculo de Duelo to give thanatology therapy to persons suffering from the loss or disappearance of a family member, so that they can carry on with their life. Heriberto García García, Procurator for Human Rights, pointed out that the aid group was created because there are many people who experience the death of a family member, as well as a disappearance. This raises problems for family members.

Losing a loved one generates a challenge to relatives. Some cannot move on, so it's necessary to provide psychological help and thanatology to understand and accept the fact. Even more so, it is required for the relatives of missing persons, as they have no knowledge of the whereabouts of their kin, which makes it more difficult to process, stated García García.

He also mentioned that for this reason they called on the Dakini House, a civil association for those who seek mental and spiritual balance. They can obtain help from volunteers of different professions, including psychologists. "Thanatology is the scientific study of the death, but it has not only to do with loss but also with addiction, a disability that some families bear, and it has to do with the subject of migrants," he said.

For its part, Cristina Palacios de Hodoyán, President of the Civic Association against Impunity, said that they there are about 80 to 90 families of disappeared persons who live in Tijuana who do not have the psychological support required. They suffer from suicide or suicide attempts.

Persons interested in receiving support may contact of the Procuraduría de los Derechos Humanos in the Cazzar building on Zona Río at Centro de Gobierno, on the first floor, where they will analyze your case and determine the type of problems. Aid is free of charge.